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Commission advises no action against Dollison, Buncamper
The Daily Herald - PHILIPSBURG--The commission established by the Executive Council last year to determine whether disciplinary measures against Environmental Development and Property Management ROB Department Director Joseph Dollison and adjunct Director Claudius Buncamper were warranted as a result of the Government Accountants Bureau SOAB report findings on the issuance of building permits, has found no credible grounds for such measures and has advised the council accordingly.
The commission's advice was discussed by the Executive Council recently and, according to sources, Commissioner Theo Heyliger was the sole member willing to follow the commission's advice.
BlueMarine Residences confirms extortion attempt by an inspector
PHILIPSBURG--BlueMarine Residences, owned by Saro Spadaro of the Maho Group, confirmed over the weekend that an unsuccessful attempt was made to extort money from the company in mid-2009 by parties affiliated with Blue Blood Construction, a company owned and operated by an inspector at the Environmental Development and Property Management ROB department. In an invited statement, a representative of the Maho Group confirmed that BlueMarine had been approached by Blue Blood Construction. However, it was made clear that BlueMarine had not conducted any business with Blue Blood Construction, was unaware of any investigations, and would be at the full disposal of authorities, should they require any information. [More....]
Only William, Hyacinth here
PHILIPSBURG--Government is squarely in the hands of Leader of Government Commissioner William Marlin and Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson for the coming days, because the other three commissioners are off-island. A minimum of three commissioners is required to make any decision and for a quorum for Executive Council meetings held usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays.[More....]
Registration of Haitian nationals in relation to the Brooks Towers (category 3)
SXM Island Times - PHILIPSBURG - On Monday March 15th, registration will start of illegal Haitian nationals. Wednesday March 31, 2010 will be the last day to register.
The registration will take place from Monday through Friday from 8 in the morning non stop till 4 in the afternoon at the Conference Center of the Salvation Army on the Union Road #59 in Cole Bay.
Legal Affairs Investigating ROB Inspector and Blue Blood---Seen at Questionable House in Cul de Sac.
SMNN - Philipsburg: --- The island government and the department of Legal Affairs are currently investigating an inspector of ROB (Public Works) who allegedly tried to extort monies from Blue Marine. According to reliable sources, the ROB inspector and his girl friend are owners of Blue Blood Construction tried to extort $42,000 from Blue Marine, a company that belongs to Saro Spadaro. SMN News learnt that the inspector committed his act since July 2009 and to date no actions has been taken.
The source said the inspector sent his girlfriend (another civil servant) with an invoice in the name of Blue Blood to Blue Marine for $42, 000 even though Blue Blood did not conduct any work for Blue Marine. It is further understood that when Blue Marine questioned the invoice they were told that they should pay the invoice if they wanted to get their inspection approved on the buildings that were constructed at Pointe Pirouette.
Blackman Escapes Vote of No Confidence for Lack Quorum--- Budget Issues Still Pending
SMNN - Philipsburg: --- Commissioner Xavier Blackman narrowly escaped a motion of no confidence which was to be presented by Island Councilman Petrus Leroy De Weever had the island council meeting convened on Thursday.
The Democratic Party Faction of the island council called an island council meeting on Thursday to discuss the pending 2010 budget and labor related matters, however the meeting could not be convened because the Democratic Party did not have a quorum even though Commissioner Theo Heyliger signed in for the meeting giving them five of the eleven signatures.
Franscisca leaves early, paves way for new head of Judicial Affairs
The Daily Herald - ~ It was logical, says Chief Inspector ~
PHILIPSBURG--Police Chief Inspector Dafnis Franscisca took vacation about two months early to allow the Central Government to appoint a new head of Judicial Affairs for the Windward Island Police Force KPSSS.
Franscisca, who headed KPSSS in Acting Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran's absence, said leaving was the "logical" thing to do. He was scheduled to retire after June. "I never had it in my head to stay on," Fransisca told The Daily Herald.
Heyliger says he wants Westin, Maho comfort letters honoured
PHILIPSBURG--Commissioner and United People's (UP) party leader Theo Heyliger wants the Island Government to honour agreements made with The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, regarding the properties receiving exemption from paying room tax. Both resorts have "letters of comfort" from Government, outlining Government's intention to amend the Room Tax Island Ordinance in such a manner that a waiver of room taxes can be granted for brand name resort developments for a period of time. (See also DH Editorial - Keeping one’s word.) [More....]
Commissioner Heyliger signs USONA agreement for school information system.
SMNN -
GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Thursday, Commissioner Theo Heyliger signed an agreement with USONA for the financing of an Education Management Information System. Present were Lars Walrave, Dutch Representative on St. Maarten, Reginald Isenia, Director of USONA(St. Maarten), and Bart Pasman also of USONA.[More....]
Thursday's IC meeting postponed
PHILIPSBURG - The island council of St. Maarten was scheduled to meet on Thursday morning at the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall of the Government Administration Building. However that meeting was postponed due to the lack of a quorum. The meeting was called at the request of the opposition Democratic Party (DP), to discuss issue pertaining to the draft 2010 budget for the island territory.[More....]
